The Englishwoman, who has claimed three Commonwealth Games gold medals during her career, had earned a narrow victory over Scotland’s Julie Forrest to reach the semi-finals.

She was then forced to overcome Thomas, who was seeking to win the world title for the second consecutive year.

However, Falkner was able to negotiate a tricky contest to emerge as a 6-5, 5-9, 2-1 victor.

The result keeps her hopes of winning a third title alive, having won the event in 2005 and 2006.

Falkner will now meet 2013 champion Rebecca Field in an all-English final after she overcame Northern Ireland’s Cliodhna Eadie 3-8, 7-6, 2-1.

Meanwhile in the men’s second round, Alex Marshall continued his pursuit of a record seventh title by defeating England's Mark Dawes.

Despite a valiant effort from Dawes against the defending champion, he was unable to prevent the four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist from triumphing 7-7, 7-7, 2-1.

Marshall will now face fellow Scotsman Stewart Anderson in the quarter-finals, as he overcame England’s Mervyn King 11-2, 3-8, 2-1.

It keeps Marshall’s hopes of double gold on track, having won the men’s pairs title with his compatriot Darren Burnett two days ago.